Extraordinary. Visionary. Breathtaking.

These are just a few of the adjectives often used to describe the creative genius of Damien Carney. Undeniably one of the most accomplished hairstylists in the last 20 years, Carney has elevated hairstyling into an art form through an impressive body of work.

With a keen eye for detail and the ability to showcase a person's natural assets, Carney has amassed a portfolio reflecting a virtual "Who's Who" in fashion and beauty. Music and film stars such as Ryan Gosling, Grace Jone, Olivia Munn, Krysten Ritter, Beth Riesgraf, Trudie Styler, super models including Abbey Lee, Magdalena Frackowiak, Liberty Ross, Jodie Kidd, and Karen Mulder are just a few of the "A - List" celebrities and tip models who turned to Carney to create their image-defining hairstyles.

In a career woven with honors and accolades, Carney's high notes include being voted one of Modern Salon Magazine's "50 Influential Hairdressers - Trendsetters" in 2008. In 2009, Carney was a finalist in the prestigious AIPP Coiffure Hairdressing Awards in Paris, honoring artistic achievement in internationally acclaimed hairdressing. He was a finalist in the 2007 NAHA Award category of "Contemporary Classic" and received considerable world press as winner of the British Hairdressing Award, "Men's Hairdresser of the Year." Carney has also been honored to judge the prestigious NAHA Awards. Passionate about giving back to an industry he loves, Carney designed a mask for auction at City of Hope's salon industry event, "Spirit of Life Dinner and Masquerade Ball - 2009." He was pronounced "International Stylist of the Year" at the 2012 Mirror Awards (produced by Canadian Hairdresser Magazine) - a coveted title which honors those select hairdressers who stand as mentors and inspiration for hairstylists worldwide. Carney was also named "International Stylist of the Year" at the 2013 Black Beauty/Sensationnel Hair Awards for the unsurpassed texture and detail work of his "Saturne Noire" collection. Most recently, Damien was named the 2017 North American Hairstylist of the Year by the Professional Beauty Association.

A natural in front of the television camera, Carney has appeared on ABC, NBC, QVC and a Certified Presenter and and as lead stylist on America's Next Top Model. Bravo Network celebrity, Tabitha Coffey - "Tabitha's Salon Takeover" - specifically chose Carney's work for many of her latest book photos and was the stylist of choice to design her hair for extensive fashion shoot. Carney was thrilled to accept the role of Emcee for the International Fashion Theater at PBA's International Salon & Spa Expo in Long Beach and Midwest introducing industry icons.

Throughout his career, Carney has globally collaborated with photographers Gilles Bensimon, Ellen von Unwerth, Norman Watson, Rankin, and David Slijper. His work has graced the pages of international publications ELLE, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, W, Cosmopolitan, and GQ. Carney was honored as on-set stylist for the Movember ad campaign shoot. The funds raised through Movember's US campaign benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundations, to promote cancer awareness and research. Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics turned to Carney's luminous talent for an ad campaign shoot. He also was chosen as hair dresser for Loree Rodkin's shoot launching her Men's Eyewear Collection.

Demonstrating strong talent early in his career, Carney served as Artistic Director and Principle Trainer for one of London's top hairstyling academies. Carney was tapped by creative powerhouse, Trevor Sorbie, to join his legendary Covent Garden Salon. Not only did Carney enjoy mentoring with one of the industry's most prolific artists or all time in Sorbie, he worked in the salon with industry icons Eugene Souleiman, Vivienne Mackinder, Ruth Roche and Antoinette Beenders, as all were developing their own skills. It was there, in the fertile ground of unbridled creativity, that he achieved the position of "Principle of Education" and in turn received the training of a lifetime.

In 2006, Carney channeled his passion for education into establishing Damien Carney London, a modern, mobile hairstyling and photography academy with satellite offices in London, New York, and Los Angeles. Through his vision, Carney inspires artists around the world to take hair design to the highest level of creativity and excellence.

A much sought after artistic leader, Damien is currently serving as Creative Director for Schwarzkopf Professional North America where he oversees the creative content and image for the brand.

"I've always been about change and moving forward. You stand still and you simply get left behind. I feel is is now time for me to change, to move forward. To grow and surround myself with stronger talent that will inspire me to be better," Damien says. "I like to surround myself with those who are better than I, so I can learn in life. With that said, I couldn't be more thrilled to represent and partner with Schwarzkopf Professional North America."

In this new prestige position, Damien also leads other passionate artists in technical precision and continues to inspire growth through knowledge. Schwarzkopf Professional Director of Education Linda Gilbride believes Damien will bring Schwarzkopf Professional to a whole new level. "It is both exciting and inspirational with Damien as our Schwarzkopf Professional North American Creative Director. We are eagerly awaiting to see what we create together in the future," shares Gilbride. Known for its dedication to education, cutting edge technologies, and incredible haircare products, Schwarzkopf Professional is a fitting partnership for Damien. Together, their shared passion for hair and education will continue to elevate both the brand and the artist.